| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Melvindale/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 180 | n/a (estimate) | 1,467 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 16.3 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 32.6 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 32.6 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 220.1 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 37 | n/a (estimate) | 302 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 25 | n/a | 203.8 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 87 | n/a | 709.2 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 31 | n/a | 252.7 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 143 | n/a (estimate) | 1,166 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Melvindale is 30.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 37 violent crimes reported in Melvindale, equivalent to 302 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 16%. Additionally, Melvindale recorded 143 property crimes, amounting to 1166 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 33.8%.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Melvindale ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Melvindale, there were a total of 2 murders, translating to 16 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Melvindale residents. Out of the respondents (11 in total), 73% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Melvindale were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 27% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Melvindale is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Melvindale has a total crime rate that is 31% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.49 daily crimes (0.1 violent daily crimes and 0.39 daily property crimes) in Melvindale.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Melvindale. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Melvindale has decreased by 45.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 67.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 33.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Melvindale has a poverty rate of 28.1, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Melvindale, 72.3% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Melvindale, there are 2.36 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Melvindale | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Huntington Woods, MI | 6,528 | 32 | 305 | 337 |
| Farmington, MI | 10,802 | 88 | 353 | 441 |
| Rockwood, MI | 3,275 | 129 | 419 | 548 |
| Trenton, MI | 18,684 | 34 | 542 | 576 |
| Pleasant Ridge, MI | 2,661 | 78 | 507 | 585 |
| Gibraltar, MI | 4,653 | 103 | 662 | 765 |
| Farmington Hills, MI | 82,920 | 199 | 681 | 879 |
| Melvindale, MI | 10,685 | 302 | 1,166 | 1,467 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Progress Village, FL | 10,684 | 225 | 1,198 | 1,423 |
| Vidalia, GA | 10,687 | 718 | 4,672 | 5,390 |
| Newcastle, OK | 10,682 | 126 | 835 | 961 |
| Jefferson, LA | 10,681 | 343 | 1,517 | 1,860 |
| Granbury, TX | 10,690 | 227 | 3,508 | 3,735 |
| Melvindale, MI | 10,685 | 302 | 1,166 | 1,467 |
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